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How exactly J.P. Arencibia, whom general manager Alex Anthopoulos insists will be the starter next year, and blue-chip prospect Travis d'Arnaud, raised as a potential candidate for designated hitter in 2013, fit together is less certain, and will be the subject of much intrigue in the months to come.

No matter how it happens, it sure sounds like the Blue Jays are planning to break camp next spring with d'Arnaud on the roster.

"It's more about getting guys' bats in the lineup," said Anthopoulos. "I wouldn't want a scenario where Travis is here playing twice a week like Jeff is, that's not good for his development, the same way when John Buck was here, we didn't want J.P. playing twice a week. Both of their bats are good enough and big enough that they're everyday players.

"If Travis doesn't get enough reps behind the plate, that's fine. His bat is a unique bat, it's got a chance to be a middle-of-the-order impact bat, and J.P. as well."

One rival scout who follows the Blue Jays said he felt d'Arnaud was ready for the big-leagues as far back as May, called him a special player and was certain Arencibia would be traded during the off-season.

Anthopoulos certainly didn't sound like someone ready to part with Arencibia -- "I don't necessarily believe in displacing guys who are established and have proven themselves," was one particularly intriguing comment -- but perhaps may have also been purposely talking him up as a way to build his value.

"J.P.'s been the everyday guy here for two years, knows the staff, works well with them, has made tremendous strides," Anthopoulos said. "J.P., apart from the injury, was having a better year this year than he did last year. He's our everyday guy behind the plate."

BigLeagueChew wrote:Not looking forward to Arencibia behind the plate next year. Can't frame well, can't catch the ball on outfield throws, blocking is terrible, and if he doubles his walk rate it would still be about average.

diddykong wrote:this clearly isn't gonna happen. at this point jp has more value that tda only because he has success in the majors, even tda's potential is much higher.

on another note. i'd like to see AA target 2B, 1B, SP. Edwin was been good at 1B but i'd like him to focus at the plate.

Al_Oliver wrote:

diddykong wrote:this clearly isn't gonna happen. at this point jp has more value that tda only because he has success in the majors, even tda's potential is much higher.

on another note. i'd like to see AA target 2B, 1B, SP. Edwin was been good at 1B but i'd like him to focus at the plate.

AA should only be focusing on pitching.... EE is more than fine at 1B and DH is much easier to fill anyways.